A fossilized ichthyosaur skull discovered in B.C.’s Kiskatinaw River valley is currently under study. The skull was found by local resident Kevin Geist and his 11-year-old son Andreas during a fossil hunt in the Peace region. The ongoing drought in the area has led to record-low river levels, revealing more rocks along the shoreline, one of which contained the prehistoric skull.
Initially unsure of its significance, Geist’s sister-in-law shared photos of the find with the Tumbler Ridge Museum, sparking interest in the discovery. The museum has confirmed the skull as belonging to an ichthyosaur, a marine reptile distinct from dinosaurs. Paleontologist Eamon Drysdale explained that while the skull is believed to date back to the Triassic period, its location in a river valley from the Cretaceous period is unusual.
The skull, encased in carbonate rock from the Triassic, likely traveled to its current location in the river valley due to glacial movements after the formation of the Rocky Mountains. Drysdale emphasized the region’s rich fossil history, spanning over 500 million years, with diverse specimens from various time periods. The peace region has yielded numerous fossil discoveries, including dinosaur bones and footprints, making it a significant area for paleontological research.
Due to the glacier’s role in transporting the skull, Drysdale expressed optimism that low water levels might reveal more fossil-bearing rocks in the valley. The careful retrieval of the skull involved an airlift by helicopter to ensure its safe transport to the museum. Drysdale mentioned the community effort involved in the recovery process, highlighting the collaboration between local residents and the museum in preserving and studying such valuable specimens.